sangam cup
Transcript of sangam cup
Sangam World Centre
50th
Birthday
50 activities for 50 years
1966 to 2016
Sangam’s 50th
Birthday Activities Pack
Celebrating Tradition – Creating Impact - Changing Tomorrow
Sangam celebrates her 50th
Birthday on October 16th
2016.
Sangam World Centre is a place that has been ever changing and evolving,
whilst inspiring change in those who visit. These 50 activities are designed
to celebrate what Sangam has to offer, to challenge creativity and to inspire
change in both individuals and communities. Think about how each activity
links to the birthday theme – Celebrate, Create, Change and enjoy being
part of #Sangam50!
We have included some websites but you will be able to find many more on
your own that will assist you with completing the activities. There are also a
number of information pages at the end of the activity pack. They are all full
of helpful information which may help when choosing your activities.
When you complete a minimum of 4 activities, including 1 birthday specific
activity, you qualify for a virtual birthday badge which you can download from
Sangam’s website. Here: https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-
world/world-centres/sangam/50th-birthday/
Enjoy the activities!
1) During programmes at Sangam, participants learn Hindi words, such
as hello and goodbye. See how many words and phrases you can learn.
Check the information pages at the end of this resource for some helpful
words. Make up an activity using the words. This could be a game of
memory or similar. You could also use the words while doing some of the
other activities in this resource.
2) Make some crafts based on elephants, tigers or peacocks, all
animals and birds associated with India – e.g. origami elephant or tiger;
paper plate decorated as a tiger face; peacock, made with hands & arm
traced on paper or fabric; make an elephant from recycled material such as
a 2 litre plastic milk bottle. www.girlguidingsurreyeast.org.uk/c-
elephant.html and www.activityvillage.co.uk/india-crafts
3) Have a go at the Sangam Quiz. Which Six/Patrol/Unit will
win? (Information page: Quick Quiz)
4) Try fabric block printing – find pictures of Sari or Punjabi designs which
have been block printed. Get some ideas, create blocks with your own design
using potato, sponge, wood etc and try printing on paper or fabric.
https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/block-print-fabric/
5) Make a friendship bracelet using auspicious colours in India (red and
orange) or those of an Indian flag (green white and orange). Give it to a
friend on Sangam’s birthday.
6) Tie dye something in Indian colours – wear it to celebrate Sangam’s
birthday or the Indian festival of Holi. (Information page: Festivals,
celebrations and ceremonies)
7) Make a collage using a variety of colourful scraps of materials. Use
Sangam’s 50th
Birthday or the birthday logo as your theme.
https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-centres/sangam/about-
sangam/50th-birthday/ 8) A bindi (from Sanskrit bindu, meaning ‘point, drop, dot or small particle’)
is a mark or dot worn on the centre of the forehead, commonly by Hindu and Jain women. Design your own Sangam 50
th Birthday Bindi, then make it
and wear it on the day or an Indian evening.
9) Design a virtual birthday card for Sangam’s 50th
Birthday. Send
it to Sangam: [email protected]
10) Take a photo or video of you celebrating Sangam’s 50th
Birthday and
share it on social media. Don’t forget to ‘check in’ to SangamWorldCentre
when you post your photo on Facebook.
11) Watch Sangelee’s tour of Sangam on YouTube and learn why
education is so important for girls around the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRA5l7t2KuM
12) When a birthday is celebrated at Sangam, it is traditional to sing Happy
Birthday and make as loud a noise as possible by banging pots, pans, gongs and
instruments. Make a selection of musical instruments and make as much noise
as you can as you sing happy birthday to Sangam on 16th
October. Take a photo
or a video clip of you celebrating and share it with Sangam and other members
of WAGGGs using social media, You Tube etc. (Information page:
Homemade percussion instruments)
13) Make preparations for a visit to Sangam – include lots of ideas, e.g.
What will the weather be like? What sort of clothes to pack? What currency
is used in India and what is it equal to in your currency? How do you get a
passport and visa?
14) Hindu Gods and Goddesses are always shown in a great deal of
colour. Print and colour some pictures of your choice of Hindu Gods or
Goddesses, e.g. Lakshmi, Shiva and Ganesh. Find out about your choice
and share what you find out with members of your unit.
http://www.sanatansociety.org/Hindu_kids_corner/hindu_kids_coloring_pages
.htm#.VyOm-3n2Zdg
15) The main religion of India is Hinduism. Read some of the stories about the
Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Tell or read your favourite story to your friends. You
could also look on YouTube and see if any of the stories have been animated for
children. http://www.hindukidsworld.org/index.php/en/sweet-divine-stories
16) How much do you know about elephants? Have a go at the Elephant
Quiz in the information pages. Place different images of elephants around
or outside your meeting place. Find out about the S.O.S. Wildlife
Sanctuary for Elephants and bears near Agra in India. You can search for
information about S.O.S. on the internet.
17) Tea is one of the most popular drinks in India. Try different varieties of
tea – Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Assam. Find a recipe for making Chai – milky,
spicy, sweet Indian tea. Enjoy it! http://www.chai-tea.org/rec/rec102.html
18) Many Indians are vegetarian. Plan and eat a vegetarian meal if you
are not already vegetarian! There are many recipes available on the
internet and Sangam has a new cook book for sale if you know someone
who is visiting soon!
19) See if you can make and try a variety of Indian snacks. Aloo chat,
bhel puri, pav bhaji etc.
20) Try Mehendi on your hands or feet. You can buy Mehendi
powder or paste, but you can also use brown eyeliner pencil, which
washes off more easily.
(Information page: Mehendi Art)
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/simple-and-easy-mehndi-designs-
that-you-can-do-by-yourself/
Or you could make mehendi pattern biscuits. Use brown icing for the mehendi!
21) Try Hindu Snakes and Ladders.
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/education/games/Snakes&LaddersGameBoar
d.pdf
22) Find out how old you have to be to Volunteer at Sangam and
what Volunteers get to do. https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-
world/world-centres/sangam/volunteer/sangam-volunteer/
23) Listen to some traditional Indian music. Find out more about the
musical instruments used in India. Is there someone local you could invite
to your meeting to share their musical expertise and instruments?
(Information page: Homemade percussion instruments.
24) Arrange a Sangam Birthday party to share the celebrations with Girl
Guiding and Girl Scouting friends.
25) Check the Sangam wish list and find out what you could give
Sangam for a birthday present. https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-
world/world-centres/sangam/support-us/wish-list/
26) Find out about Sangam’s Community Partners – Door Step School,
Anand Gram, Muslim Girls Orphanage, Deep Griha, Maher, Mobile
Crèche etc. Get inspired! Are there any similar organisations in your
community? What can you do to bring about change?
27) Find out more about the Sangam Community Programme. Is there
anyone in your area who has been to Sangam as a Tare? Why not meet
with them and learn all about their experience.
https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-
centres/sangam/volunteer/community-programme/
28) It can be very hot and sunny at Sangam and solar cookers use
renewable energy. Find out about solar cookers. Can you make and use
one? (Information pages: Solar Cooking and Steps to Cooking with Sun)
29) Help spread the word and become a friend of Sangam on Facebook. Also
find Friends of Sangam on Facebook. Like Sangam World Centre on Instagram.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Twitter! You can also sign up
to the Sangam newsletter to receive regular updates about Sangam.
Sangam World Centre Facebook
Sangam World Centre Instagram
30) Arrange a fundraiser for Sangam. Perhaps you could put on an
Indian evening. Ask your International Adviser (or similar) if she can put
you in touch with someone who could help. (Information page: Creating
an Indian atmosphere) You can make a general donation or a donation to
the Sangam Sisterhood Scholarship Fund here:
https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-centres/sangam/support-us/
31) Plan a trip to Pune – home of Sangam. Choose 5 top places to visit
and find out what you would see at each place. Did you know that Ghandi
was put in prison in Pune? Could you visit the place where he was?
32) Discover what events are taking place at Sangam in the future.
Which event(s) would you like to go to and why?
https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-centres/sangam/events/
33) Have an Indian fashion night. There may be people in your area who
can lend you both saris and Punjabi suits and teach you how to tie a sari.
(Information page: How to Tie a Sari)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxyyplADV5o
34) Taste and smell some herbs and spices, such as turmeric, cumin,
coriander, curry leaves, ginger, fennel, chilli, garam masala. Maybe
you would like to do this wearing a covering over your eyes and
play a guessing game?
35) Make or buy and try different Indian breads, such as chapatti,
naan, roti and paratha.
36) Try some Indian sweet treats, such as barfi, halva, jelabi.
37) Try to make the typical Indian drink called lassi. Find a recipe and
make one - or more - of the versions of this drink. You can use
bananas, mangoes etc. Share your drinks with friends.
38) Watch a Bollywood movie – or part of it. Design your own
Bollywood dance routine and share it with Sangam.
39) Learn how to do a dandia dance, using sticks. See if you can
find out why this dance is so popular in India.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1e_imxJgww
40) Have a chapatti rolling competition. Can you make them round?
Who can make them into the shapes of what countries? Enjoy
eating them when you have chosen the winners!
41) Create Warli art, either on your own, or, if you want to make the
circle of life, as a patrol/group/unit.
http://artsycraftsymom.com/warli-for-kids/
42) Rangoli patterns are often made outside Indian homes as a sign of
welcome, particularly during festivals. Find some rangoli patterns and
make your own patterns using sand, chalk or rice. To colour rice, use
vinegar and food colouring. The vinegar sets the food colouring.
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/rangoli (Information: page Rangoli)
43) At events at Sangam, it is possible to start each day with a session of
yoga. Invite someone to lead you in a yoga session, follow a DVD of a
yoga session or look on YouTube. (Information page: Yoga for Kids)
44) Before breakfast during events, participants and staff have a short
flag ceremony and reflection to start the day. They also include a
Hindi word of the day. Plan and conduct your own flag ceremony.
(Information page: An International Flag Raising Ceremony)
45) Sangam has seen many changes in the lives of people who visit and in
the local community over the past 50 years. What can you do to make a
change or a challenge for yourself, your unit or your community this year?
Can you try meditating or yoga? Can you adopt an area of roadside and
keep it clear of litter?
46) Find some Mandalas on paper and enjoy some time in mindful
colouring. Find out where mandalas traditionally come from. (Information
page: Mandala) http://www.whats-your-sign.com/meaning-of-mandala.html
47) There are many Mango trees on Sangam’s grounds and each year Sangam
makes pickle and jam from these mangoes for guests to eat all throughout the
season.
Find as many delicious recipes as you can for the use of mangos. Have a mango
party with your friends.
48) Sangam’s colours are purple and yellow – try dressing up in these
two colours for a day. Share your photos on social media.
49) Write and compose a song about Sangam. Share it with Sangam. You
could also sing one of the Sangam Songs that has been written over the years. Two can be found on Sangam’s website here:
https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-centres/sangam/50th-
birthday/ and here: https://www.wagggs.org/en/our-world/world-
centres/sangam/about-sangam/sangam-history/sangam-song/
50) Enlarge the 50th
Birthday or Sangelee logo which you can find on Sangam’s website. Can you fill the logo with coins? Use the money you collect
to send a donation to Sangam. You can find the donation links in challenge 29.
Hindi and Marathi Words
Sangam World Centre is in Pune. The children who are educated in Pune,
learn Hindi (one of the National language) and Marathi which is the
language of the state of Maharashtra, where the city of Pune is situated.
The numbers and colour below will enable you to play a variety of games,
such as Fruit Salad.
NUMBERS
English Hindi Marathi
One (1) Ek Ek
Two (2) Do Don
Three (3) Teen Teen
Four (4) Char Chaar
Five (5) Panch Paach
Six (6) Che Sahaa
Seven (7) Sat Saat
Eight (8) Arth Aarth
Nine (9) Nou Nau
Ten (10) Das Dahaa
COLOURS
English Hindi Marathi
Red Lal Laal
Orange Narangi Kesari
Yellow Pila Pivlaa
Green Hara Hirvaa
Blue Nila Nilaa
Pink Gulabi Gulabhi
Purpla Jamuni Jaambhlaa
Brown Chocklati Kattha
White Safed Paandhraa
Black Kala Kaalaa
Quick Quiz
1) What well-known symbol is the Sangam symbol based on?
2) What does the word ‘Sangam’ describe in Sanskrit?
3) What is the name of Sangam’s mascot?
4) What species of animal is she?
5) What year did construction of Sangam begin?
6) When did Lady Baden-Powell officially open Sangam? 7) Is Sangam the oldest World Centre? 8) Who was the first Guider in charge at Sangam? 9) Which months of the year are events not planned for at Sangam,
and why?
10) What is the name of Sangam’s Community Programme? 11) What is the name of the city that Sangam is located in? 12) Which State is this city situated in?
13) Is this the 1St
, 2Nd
, or 3Rd
largest state in India? 14) Which particular festival is celebrated in this State? 15) India was the birthplace of which two religions? 16) Girl Guides in India belong to which organization? 17) What does the acronym ‘FOS’ stand for? 18) True or False. You have to attended an event at Sangam to belong
to a FOS Group?
19) True or False. You have to live in the country of the FOS Group you join.
You will find the answers in the following information.
See what you know before you look.
WAGGGS World Centres are safe places for youth and adult members and non members come together to share experiences as well as culture and traditions of their home lands.
Sangam, situated in Pune, India, was the fourth World Centre of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to open its doors – it opened in 1966.
The Sangam Symbol is based on the Chinese Yin/Yan which represents balance and harmony in the universe. It illustrates a continuous and constant ‘coming together’.
In Sanskrit, the word Sangam describes ‘the place where rivers meet’, the Mula and the Murtha Rivers are not far from Sangam. SymbolicallySangam also means, ‘coming together’ - WAGGGS members from all over the world come together to experience Sangam.
Sangams’s mascot is Sangelee, a combination of the name Sangam and elephant. She was christened at the World Conference in Dublin in 1999.
Construction of Sangam began in 1964 and Lady Baden-Powell officially opened Sangam on the 16th October 1966.
The first Guider in Charge at Sangam was Anu Karkare. She started her role in 1964 and from then she was able to watch the construction progress.
The months of April and May are the hottest months of the summer season and for this reason, events are not planned for at Sangam during this time.
Sangam offers truly rewarding opportunities for everyone to participate in volunteering with the local community. The TARE Programme is a popular choice by WAGGGS members and non members alike. Men are also welcome and age is no barrier. 18+
Maharashtra, where Pune is situated, is the 3rd largest state in India. Maharashtra is where the festival of GANESH is celebrated. India has a great diversity of religions and it is the birthplace of
Hinduism and Buddhism. Hindus regard their faith as a ‘way of life’ rather than a religion.
Guides in India belong to the Bharat Scouts and Guides. Many countries have ‘Friends of Sangam (FOS) groups’. They are
groups of people who care deeply about all that Sangam provides for Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting and the community of Pune. They get together to promote Sangam and raise funds to support special projects, ongoing maintenance, upgrading of equipment and creating diverse events.
Anyone can belong to a Friends of Sangam groups and you do not have to live in the country of the FOS group you join.
Sangam’s ‘door is always open’
Festivals, Celebrations and Ceremonies
You may wish to incorporate one or all of the following aspects into
your Sangam celebrations.
To help make your celebrations and teachings as authentic as possible,
you might like to invite a member of your local Indian community to come
and speak about India. Perhaps they could also teach you some words of
Hindi, or teach you about some traditions and customs and festivals from
their part of India.
Diwali - Festival of Lights
Festivals are an important part of life in India.
One well-known festival is Diwali. Diwali, also called the Festival of
Lights, is a Hindu celebration held around October each year. You could
have a “candle” themed meeting for Diwali, and make your own lanterns.
Here are some websites that could help you with your
Diwali night:
http://www.diwalifestival.org/
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/diwali.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali
http://festivals.iloveindia.com/diwali/
Raksha Bandhan - The thread of love
This is a family celebration for brothers and sisters
and is usually celebrated at the end of July or
beginning of August. On this day sisters make a silk
bracelet of red and gold thread which they tie to their
brother’s wrists. This gift shows the sisters love for
her brother and by wearing the bracelet the brother
promises to protect her forever.
India’s Republic Day
This is a celebration of the day India became a Republic in 1950. On
January 26th
huge parades of proud people, decorated vehicles, much
music and dancing and often beautifully decorated elephants take part in a
huge parade in Delhi, the capital of India.
Holi - Festival of colour
Holi is an important festival to Hindus, as well as to many other Indians and
other people of south Asian origin. It is celebrated at the end of winter, -
(February/March), and the beginning of Spring, when Hindus believe it is a
time of enjoying spring's abundant colours and saying farewell to winter. To
many Hindus, Holi festivities mark the beginning of the new year as well as
an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid
themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past.
The night before Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as Holika Dahan
(burning of Holika) or Little Holi. People gather near fires, sing and dance.
The next day, Holi, is celebrated with children spraying coloured powder
solutions at each other, laugh and celebrate, while adults smear dry
coloured powder on each other.
Holi is celebrated in different ways in the regions of India but it is foremost the festival of colour.
In Maharashtra, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as Shimga, festivities that
last 5 to 7 days. A week before the festival, youngsters go around the
community, collecting firewood and money.
On the day of Shimga, the firewood
is heaped into a huge pile in each
neighbourhood. In the evening, the
fire is lit. Every household brings a
meal and sweet, in the honour of
the fire god. Shimga celebrates the
elimination of all evil. The colour
celebrations here take place on the
day of Rangapanchami, five days
after Shimga. During this festival,
people are supposed to forget and
forgive any rivalries and start new healthy relations with all.
Coconuts
Coconuts are holy fruits in India and are used for most
ceremonies. The three “eyes” on a coconut are said to
represent the three-eyed god Shiva. Everyday coconuts are
offered at shrines and during religious ceremonies. It is
auspicious to break a coconut when embarking on a new
enterprise or journey.
The coconut is considered an important fruit because every part of it can
be used – the husk for fibre, the milk to drink and the flesh for food.
Coconuts are grown in Maharashtra, the state where Sangam is located
and so are readily available.
Coconut Day is celebrated during the monsoon (July – September). Fishermen
who have had to stop fishing due to rough seas want to resume their activities, so
offer coconuts to Varuna – the Lord of the Waters – by throwing them into the
sea. The coconut is used as an offering to the Gods because it is a holy fruit.
A coconut decorated with beads is usually given to a bridegroom by his
bride during the wedding ceremony as a sign of good luck for their future
life together. It is also considered auspicious to break a coconut at a
Shrine when embarking on any new enterprise. During ceremonies,
pieces of coconut flesh are shared as food blessed by the Gods.
Ganapati - Ganesh
The Ganapati festival, is best observed in Pune or Mumbai. It takes place at the end of the monsoon season (September). The festival, to honour Ganesha, the elephant headed God, is observed for ten days, and immersions of the deity are carried out over the last twenty-four hours of the festival. Families have their own Ganesh as a focal point in their homes,
where they make offerings and pray for inner strength.
Immense crowds follow processions to the local river to join even more people to witness the immersion of many Ganesh idols. Ganesh is said to be the ‘god
who can remove all obstacles’. This Festival is an extraordinary testimony
to the public place of religion in Indian life, the liveliness of Indian
communities, the splendours of street life, the strength of popular artistic and artisan traditions, and the glorious malleability of one beloved Hindu deity – Ganesh.
Homemade Percussion Instruments
Rattle Stick
Screw 3 bottle tops back to back into a wide piece of dowel around 25cm long. Repeat twice more.
Maracas Paper mache around a blown balloon that has a tablespoon of popping corn or rice inside.
Rain Stick Roll up tin foil that is a little longer
than the roll. Wind around a wooden
spoon and twist into roll. Close one
end with tape and pour in 5
tablespoons of rice, close second end.
Button Clickers Hot glue buttons onto a piece of thick card folded in half.
Sandpaper Blocks Screw two pieces of wood together.
Before you screw them together,
wrap one piece with sandpaper.
Tin Drum Put 2 tablespoons of rice in a tin can and stretch a balloon over the rim of the tin. Tape around the base of the balloon to hold it in place.
Chime Use a hollow piece of metal with two holes opposite each other, thread string through to use as a handle. Use another metal such has a nail to create an echo.
Elephant Quiz
1. What is this 2. Which country has an 3. What is my name?
elephant’s name?
elephant on its promise
badge?
4. Which Just So story 5. Can you name this 6.The man who looks after and
is this?
elephant? rides elephants is called a
7. How can you tell if 8. What is the name of 9. This is the Hindu Elephant
this is an African or
this elephant? God. Is it Shiva, Ganesh or
Indian elephant?
Vishnu?
10. This is the mascot
for Sangam, our
World Centre in India,
what is her name?
11. Who packed her
trunk and said good bye
to the circus?
12 Can you name
this elephant?
Answers
1. Elphie is her name.
2. Sri Lanka has an elephant on its badge. 3. Dumbo is his name. 4. The Elephant’s child is the name of the story. 5. Barbar is the name of this elephant. 6. A Mahout is an elephant handler. 7. Indian elephants have smaller ears than African elephants.
8. This is Elmer. 9. Ganesh is the Hindu elephant God.
10. The Sangam mascot is called Sangelee. 11. Nellie the elephant. 12. This elephant is called Wilbur.
Mehendi
Mehendi is henna, which is natural dye made from the leaves and stem of the
Henna Tree. In India it is better known as a traditional art of painting designs
on the body using henna. It is used all over the world as a temporary tattoo.
The henna is produced in a paste which is put into a cone to enable the
Mehendi artist to use directly from the cone to the skin. Henna works by
staining the outer layer of the skin. The stain wears off as the skin is
exfoliated. The longer the henna is allowed to dry on the skin, the darker
the colour of the pattern usually becomes.
The most special occasion on which Mehendi is used is at an Indian
wedding, when all the wedding party, including the
groom, have Mehendi which is lavish and
intricate. The henna symbolises the love between
husband and wife, and the long-lasting nature of
that love. After the wedding it is a custom that the
bride does not do any housework or chores as
long as her Mehendi stays on her skin.
There are also some very simple designs that
can be done on any occasion and they look
equally beautiful too.
BENEFITS OF SOLAR COOKING AND HEATING OF WATER
FUEL
Sun is free – no fuel cost Reduces deforestation Saves other energy sources
WATER
Uses less water than other cooking methods Food never burns so there is no scrubbing pots in water
HEALTH
Improves diet by increasing the nutritional content of food Reduces illness from contaminated water Improves air quality because there is no smoke
TIME
With no fire to tend, the food can be prepared and left for several hours to cook while other work is done
How to cook food or boil water using the sun
There are many sites on the internet but this is a very easy method.
A simple recycled cardboard box covered in foil and cut to allow the sun to reflect onto the cooking container works well, provided that:
The stainless steel container with a lid is painted black on the outside. Once the food is added and lid put on, the container is sealed in a
clear plastic bag. The bag is then placed on about three small stones in the cooker
space to allow reflection of the sun under it. Clothes pegs or similar are useful to alter the shape of the cooker
as the sun moves. Leave it for the time required to cook your food.
Be very careful removing the container as it will be very hot even on a cloudy
day.
NOTES
Water reaches boiling point in about a couple of hours.
A hot sunny day will take about three hours to cook a cup of raw rice and completely absorb the 2 cups of water.
An overcast day will still boil and cook, but it takes longer.
Steps to cooking with the sun, saving power, preventing pollution and
saving trees.
Creating an Indian Atmosphere
Lengths of fabric, even lengths of light curtain material in bright/brilliant colours.
Drape around walls and over chairs. If outdoors, a canopy would be ideal.
Shawls/pashminas or saris sourced from friends.
Large cushions covered in bright coloured fabrics
and brass bowls and Indian handcrafts displayed
around.
Make a rangoli design near the entrance.
Display an Indian Flag.
Display posters/photos about Sangam and other
places to visit in India.
Create a “temple table” with a Ganesh or Hindu
God figure. Incense can be burning and candles
can be put in holders.
Indian taped music can be playing.
If possible wear a sari or Punjabi suit (Indian
dress) with bangles.
Ask guests to leave their shoes at the door.
Welcome guests with a bindi (purchase from any Indian shop or a dot of lipstick),
a garland and ‘Namaste’ (said whilst bowing slightly with hands pressed together).
Create a chart of common Hindi and/or Marathi phrases.
How to Tie / Drape a Sari
RANGOLI
The word Rangoli is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘ranavalli’.It is an art
which precedes sculpture and painting.
Usually it is women who draw Rangoli. They do not require any actual devices
but do use their own fingers and a coarse powder. The powder is obtained by
pounding a mineral (shirgoli) and also in the Konkan Region of India the husks
of rice are burnt and the white ash obtained is used as Rangoli.
A pinch of Rangoli powder is taken using the index finger and the thumb. As
the powder is coarse it can flow freely when released from the fingers. This
allows the artist to create shapes with ease and fill the pattern with colour.
The two aims of Rangoli are revelation of beauty and the acquisition
of auspiciousness. The traditional forms drawn are symbolic. A
curved line produces a better effect of beauty than a straight one.
Rangoli is both an auspicious and a preliminary necessity in any religious ritual.
It is drawn at the site of religious rituals such as festivals, weddings, ritualistic
worship and as a welcoming decoration at people’s homes and businesses.
If traditional powder is not available where you live, try colouring rice and using
that.
An effective and inexpensive way to create a pattern like the real thing is as
follows.
Make mixtures of water, food colouring and a little vinegar to set the colours.
Place rice into the liquid until it changes colour then remove and dry. Draw a large simple design on a flat surface
Colour the design in a similar way to if they had powder to use.
Yoga for kids
Yoga is great for kids of all ages to practice. Yoga provides a holistic system which encompasses the development of the mind, body and spirit. Lots of websites online say that kids yoga improves concentration and focus, stimulates the imagination and helps to release energy in a fun, safe environment. Yoga also promotes inner strength, confidence and self-esteem, a feeling of well-being and respect for others and love for ones-self inside and out.
A lot of kids might have already tried some yoga before and might think that they impress you by doing it fast. It is important these kids slow down so they do not hurt themselves.
I have designed a short programme for you to try with your unit. It should take between15 and 20 minutes. It is just a taster of the joy of yoga!
Before you start, yoga is a lot more comfortable on carpeted floor and with bare feet (less slipping) and always check the floor for hazards like staples and bits of food etc which is not nice to sit or lie on.
To start with get the kids to lie on their backs with their legs slightly apart and their arms to their sides and their palms facing up. For the first few minutes let them just breathe normally. Then slow and talking in a soft voice ask them to take a deep breath all the way down to their stomach and ask them to hold their breath and then breathe out slowly through their mouths. Do this for a while (10 or so deep breaths) and then ask them to take a deep breath which fills their stomach and their chest. Again ask them to breathe out through their mouths and do this for another 10 breaths or so. Then ask the kids to take a deep breath which goes all the way from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads. Again hold this breath and breathe out slowly through their mouth. This should take about 5-7 minutes and the kids should be focused and their minds clear when finished.
An International Flag Raising Ceremony
‘Today we are going to prepare a recipe for International friendship. First we put some blue in for the sky.
We add yellow to represent the sun. We add some white for peace.
Two stars, one for the promise, one for the law. We
also put a compass needle in to show the way.
We cook it with the warmth of friendship from all over the world.
We season it with duty to God and country and service to others.
We mix it all together with the Girl Guiding/Scouting touch
And the results is this……………….. ‘
Have the World Flag rolled in a pot ready to raise when the ‘recipe’ has been completed.
As the ‘recipe’ is read add the appropriate colour pieces of paper or card, stars,
compass, etc to the pot.
Mandala
Each person’s life is like a mandala – a
vast, limitless circle. We stand in the
center of our own circle and everything
we see, hear and think forms the mandala
of our life.
- Pema Chodron
A mandala (In Sanskrit literally, circle) is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Indian
religions, representing the universe. In common use, "mandala" has become
a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents
the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe.
Hindi Words of the Day
Yes/No Chalo!
What is your name? Ha/Nahi
Let’s Go!
Apka nam kya hai?
Mei tik hu!
I am fine! Dhanyavad!
Thank You
What is your name?
Stop/Enough Apka nam kya hai? Krupya
Bas
Please/Excuse me
Me ra name ____ hai Happy Birthday!
Phir Milenge!
My name is ____
Janam din Mubarak ho! See you again!